Bryn is a Archaeology and History graduate from the University of Nottingham. He secured an Audit Trainee role at Menzies LLP in Leatherhead, through Bright Network. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself
“My name’s Bryn and I’m currently an Audit Trainee. This was not something I’d ever considered and is completely different to what I studied at university.
I knew I wanted to go to university as I had always loved history growing up and wanted to do a degree that I enjoyed.
When it came to applying for jobs, I thought about accountancy as I knew several people in the industry, thought that it sounded interesting and knew that it was a career path that didn’t require a specific degree subject.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“I was interested in applying for auditing as it sounded interesting and different to the other types of graduate schemes I’d been applying to at other companies.
I was attracted to working at Menzies, as I felt that it was a place I could properly learn and develop. One thing that makes Menzies different to other companies is that they expect new trainees to have zero knowledge of accounting as they tech you everything on the job, whilst paying for your qualifications.”
What was the application journey like?
“Once I filled in my application, the first stage was a Zoom interview, which is different to how many other firms start their application process, but something that I actually preferred.
After the Zoom interview, I had to complete an applications test, before being invited to an assessment centre where I had the chance to meet other candidates and lots of Menzies employees.
In the assessment centre I completed a HR interview, followed by another interview with an Audit Partner. Then I completed a group project, where we were given a business and had to pitch to Partners and Directors about why they should choose to work with Menzies.
At the end of the assessment centre, I received feedback on an aptitude test I’d completed, giving me feedback about the type of person I was.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“Bright Network offered me the chance to apply for a wide variety of companies that I would not have thought about applying to before.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“Applying for jobs is incredibly tough and at times emotionally challenging. I’m proud that I persevered and continued applying even though I was getting rejections constantly.
I never lost hope and kept believing that 'this might be the application' every time. I cannot describe the feeling of receiving the phone call to say that I got the job because there are simply no words to describe the relief and excitement that I had for securing a job whilst in my final year at university.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“The best advice I ever received was 'prepare for rejections’ as when you’re applying for jobs, you’ll get a lot of them. Try not to get upset by this and use it to drive you to keep applying.
If you know anyone who’s in the line of work you’re interested in, I’d recommend getting them to read your CV and give you feedback. Feedback is an invaluable tool and it will allow you to tailor your CV to the right companies.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’m looking forward to continuing to develop as an Auditor and gain my AAT and ACA qualifications.
I believe that with the support I'm getting from Menzies and the feedback I get with every audit I do, I will continue to develop and understand my knowledge and skills.”
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